Formal Training Continued.....

Haven't had much time to post here - adding two weekly classes to a full-time job has me pretty busy. This was a very interesting class, though, on color studies.  

Tom Semmes (instructor) set up the still life and had us paint just flat shapes of color (sorry, but forgot to take the photo before beginning modification of the wall shadow).

Second pass was to begin to modify each shape with different values, hues, and temperature. I understand now why so many say to "paint from life". There are SO many more color variations in live setups than in photographs.  Here is after second pass:

The photo cannot actually show all the colors in this as cameras average out tones. The light side of the "white" ball has yellows, pinks and reflected orange, for instance.  

Painting - when you are learning - is like trying to juggle cats and chew gum and walk backwards. You have to really look and think, is this piece darker or lighter? warmer or cooler? what is its shape?  Then you get into, not which colors, but which pigments (and they differ from brand of paint to brand of paint) mix well (or not) to get to the color you need.  Fun and exhausting.

A very valuable class for me.

Hawaii Surf

Hawaii Surf

8x10 Oils on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

SOLD

Continuing with my crashing water phase - what is it about the ocean, waves, rivers that is so mesmerizing? I loved painting this one!

Orange Peel and Grapes

Orange Peel and Grapes

6x6" $29

SOLD

Painted just for fun and to test my mettle on a curling peel. The inside colors were a challenge. 

To benefit The Garuda Aviary.

Red Onions, Garlic and Grapes

Red Onions, Garlic and Grapes

8x10" Oil on panel $50

Click to Buy

Dan's course is certainly challenging but I'm learning so much. I posted this earlier but it wasn't dry enough to put up for sale - now it is! I also went back into it and tweaked some things he advised to do which made it better. I love it - people say it has that "Old World" feel to it.

After the Storm

 "After the Storm"

 8x10 in oils on wrapped canvas

ON HOLD

Please note that all computer monitors show colors slightly differently.

I have been really busy taking an oil painting class so have not been posting lately. This is a painting I actually finished in December, but just haven't had time to photograph and post! I will be posting quite a few more in the coming weeks, as I don't want to post them for sale until they are dry enough to varnish and ship. 

The proceeds support the Garuda Aviary which is currently in great need of extra funds. Sadly, one of the Greenwing Macaws, Red, had to have surgery and didn't make it. So we are raising funds to pay those vet bills, as well as the ongoing care of all the parrots. So thank you for supporting this work.